How much do you know about fertilizer? It may be understood that these plant vitamins are needed to help support healthy growth, but do you know which type of fertilizer you need, how much, and when to apply? The follow fertilizing basics will help answer some of these questions.

What is Fertilizer?

Fertilizer is what’s added to the soil to provide essential nutrients for plant growth and overall health. They’re better classified as plant nutrition than food. Organic formulas are made from natural materials, such as compost, manure, and even grass clippings. Inorganic, or manufactured products are formulated with a specific concentration of nutrients.

There are three primary macronutrients associated with fertilizers: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Each nutrient is known for producing a certain result:

• Nitrogen (N): Promotes green, leafy growth.
• Phosphorus (P): Encourages strong root development and robust flowering and/or fruiting.
• Potassium (K): Supports overall plant health, disease resistance, and drought tolerance.

You’ll find the percentage of each nutrient on the fertilizer product label. For example, a balanced ratio of all three may look like 10-10-10 on the packaging. But when you see a varying N-P-K formula, that product is better suited for different plants needs, such as:

• 29-0-4: lawns that need more nitrogen for lush, green grass.
• 12-55-6: more phosphorous to boost flower production.
• 3-20-20: overall support to stimulate root growth and blooms.

But how do you know what ratio you need? Waiting to see how your plant develops may be too late to improve health and growth. Start before you plant by testing your soil. This gives you a better picture of the nutrient and pH levels soil so you can choose the right product and application rate.

When and How to Fertilize

Once you know what nutrients you need, the next crucial factor is getting the timing right. This also depends on the type of plant and where it’s growing.

• Lawn: Fertilize cool-season grasses in the fall to help support root systems to sustain health over the winter and into the spring. Fertilize warm-season grasses throughout the growing season.
• Gardens: Fertilize when plants are actively growing.
• Containers: Fertilize more frequently to maintain nutrients.

One of the last deciding factors for optimal fertilizing is choosing the right product. Granular fertilizers can be added to the soil directly by hand (protected by gloves) if it’s a smaller area or using a spreader for larger spaces. Liquid fertilizers can be sprayed onto the soil. No matter which product you choose, it’s important to evenly distribute and make sure you don’t over do it. Too much nutrients is not only harmful to plants, but it can also end up contaminating the soil and water sources.

Fertilizing Basics

Determining the right type and timing of fertilizer application is the toughest part of the job. Luckily, products come with detailed instructions to follow. Here are some other helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Group plants with similar fertilizing needs to make the task more efficient and effective.
• Water your lawn or garden after fertilizing to help the nutrients dissolve so the plant can absorb it.
• Brush granular fertilizer from plant leaves to prevent burn.
• Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat, as this can also stress plants.

For more help keeping your lawn and garden vibrant and healthy, contact Cardinal Lawns. Our services are customized to the type of soil, climate, and growing conditions in Ohio in order to optimize results. In addition to fertilizing basics, we offer weed and pest control methods to ensure your healthy lawn stays that way.